Importance of Raw Material Attributes for Modeling Ribbon and Granule Properties in Roller Compaction: Multivariate Analysis on Roll Gap and NIR Spectral Slope as Process Critical Control Parameters

Abstract

This work is an extension of the earlier work from this laboratory aimed at identifying raw material properties critical to the modeling of granule and ribbon properties as part of the optimization of roller (RC) compaction processes. The utility of roll gap (RG) and near-infrared (NIR) signal, specifically, the spectral slope, as process critical control parameters (PCCPs) was also evaluated. Raw material tabletability, particle size, size distribution span, and tapped density were found to be most important factors for building robust predictive models. RG and NIR spectral slope in combination with RC operating parameters yielded models with good predictability for RC responses. Our results support the suitability of RG and NIR spectral slope as PCCPs in roller compaction, specifically, through ribbon density monitoring.